Keanu Reeves will not play Kaneda in the live-action remake of Japanese manga Akira

The actor was previously in negotiations with Warner Bros to take on the part, but has decided against playing bike-riding world-saver Kaneda.

Despite the negotiations coming to an abrupt end, Warner Bros are keen to stress that the remake isn’t dead.

“Production on Akira has not halted or been shut down, as the film has not yet been greenlit and is still very much in the development stage,” they say.

“The exploratory process is crucial to a project of this magnitude, and we will continue to sculpt our approach to making the best possible film.”

The adap has had it's fair share of controversy with its rumoured casting, but who will bag the crucial role of Kaneda?

Previous shortlists featured the names of Andrew Garfield, Zac Efron and Robert Pattinson, but with the WB admitting that they're taking an "exploratory" approach to the adap, their final decision really could be anybody.

Would be good to have a asian actor, but as long as they get a young actor right for the role I am happy. No need to change it to an older cast "just to attract a a bigger audience"...dollar dollar bills y'all.